A rectocele is a bulge in the posterior (rear) wall of the vagina caused by the rectum pushing against it, while an enterocele is a small bowel prolapse where the small intestine drops into the pelvic area.
Rectocele:
What is Rectocele: A rectocele occurs when the rectal wall bulges into the vagina, often due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and tissues.
Causes: Pregnancy, childbirth, chronic constipation, aging, menopause, and previous pelvic surgeries can contribute to rectoceles.
Symptoms: Rectoceles may not always cause symptoms, but some people experience rectal pressure, difficulty with bowel movements, and discomfort during intercourse.
Treatment: Treatment options include pelvic floor exercises, a pessary, and surgery.
Enterocele:
What is Enterocele: An enterocele, also known as small bowel prolapse, occurs when the small intestine protrudes into the pelvic area.
Causes: Weakening of pelvic floor muscles and tissues, pregnancy, childbirth, chronic coughing, and connective tissue disorders can lead to enteroceles.
Symptoms: Some people with enteroceles experience lower back pain that improves when lying down, but many may not have any symptoms.
Treatment: Treatment options include pelvic floor exercises, a pessary, and surgery.